throne (a special chair for a king or queen) The king was on his throne. (the position of being a king or queen) The queen acceded to the throne in 1952. He came to the throne after the death of his father. thrown (past participle of throw) Syringes used once …
Read More »sometimes vs. sometime
sometimes (occasionally, but not always) Sometimes I walk to work, but usually I go by bus. It takes me twenty minutes to walk to work, sometimes even longer. sometime (at some unknown or unspecified time) I would love to visit California sometime. He may have left sometime during the night. (a …
Read More »course vs. coarse
course (route, path, or direction) The ship had to change course to avoid the storm. We are on course for the river. The plane set course for Bermuda. UK (a series of lessons on a certain subject) I have completed a course in first aid. He wants to take …
Read More »stationary vs. stationery
stationary adjective (not moving; static) The escalator is stationary; we need to walk up it. A van crashed into a stationary car. The traffic remained stationary for half an hour. The population stayed nearly stationary for years. stationery noun (materials used for writing) My father bought me a …
Read More »complacent vs. complaisant
complacent disapproving (too pleased or satisfied with a situation so that you no longer try to improve) I am not complacent and know that there is always room for improvement. You should not get complacent about your achievements. complaisant formal (willing to please others; agreeable) Mike has a pretty and complaisant wife. …
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